[dropcap]T[/dropcap]hugs of Hindostan have not exactly had a Diwali blockbuster reception even though the film broke box office record by earning Rs 52 crore.

For starters, critics slammed the film for being a pretty average affair. As the first show ended at many theatres, viewers too expressed their disapproval. Film director Vijay Krishna Acharya, aka Victor, who visited a famous single screen in Bandra, was in a for a rude shock when he saw viewers getting bored as they sat through the nearly 3-hour show.

“Victor checked in to watch the first show at Gaiety. He came with huge expectations as he was certain that masses would love the larger than life spectacle. Unfortunately, it was not to be. The story didn’t create any thrill for the audience. Many even found the length unbearable. As soon as Victor got a whiff that public are not liking his film, the director hurriedly left the theatre thereby managing to giving the media standing outside a slip,” a source said.

“It was uncharacteristic to see him leave without interacting with the audience. The negative reaction left him disappointed,” the source added.